System and method for processing protected video information

Abstract

A method and apparatus of encouraging distribution, registration, and purchase of free copyable software and other digital information which is accessed on a User's System via a Programmer's Program. Software tools which can be incorporated into a Programmer's Program allow the User to access Advanced Features of the Programmer's Program only in the presence of a valid Password which is unique to a particular Target ID generated on an ID-Target such as the User's System. Advanced features will thus relock if the Password is copied to another ID-target. If a valid Password is not present, the User is invited to obtain one, and provided with the means of doing so, and of installing that Password in a place accessible to the User's System on subsequent occasions. The present invention also provides Programmers with means to invoke business operations as well as computational operations with their programs, and thus to automatically obtain payment from Users who elect to obtain passwords.

1. A method for distributing a video recording created by a creator, the video recording accessible only with a password, the method comprising:
 providing a video recording to a user through a distribution channel comprising a first communication method; and 
 providing a password to access the video recording to the user through an authorization channel comprising a second communication method, the authorization channel being distinct from the distribution channel, the authorization channel excluding participation by the creator, the password being based at least in part on one or more characteristics of an entity to which access to one or more features of the video recording are linked, different such one or more characteristics being usable to provide access to different ones of the one or more features of the video recording. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first communication method from the distribution channel is distinct from the second communication method from the authorization channel. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , comprising accessing a licensing system through at least the authorization channel. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , comprising receiving from the licensing system payment information from the user. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the authorization channel includes utilizing the Internet. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , wherein the authorization channel includes utilizing an Internet-based licensing server. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the distribution channel includes a first user communicating with a second user. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the distribution channel includes utilizing a computer network. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the distribution channel includes a broadcast of the video recording. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the distribution channel includes the distribution of the video recording on a pre-recorded medium. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the pre-recorded medium is distributed to a user by mail. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the pre-recorded medium is distributed to a user by a retail store. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 10 , wherein the pre-recorded medium is distributed to a user by inclusion in another product.